jennymayla wrote:
It just occurred to me that if you know Oakland, CA at all, that is probably not so different than JC in the grand scheme of things. It has it's ups and downs just like Oakland -- and the perpetual dream of up and comingness.

Oakland peeps, feel free to correct me...

jennymayla wrote:
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JadedJC wrote:
MasterOfFate: A good friend used to live in Mountain View, and I used to visit her there, so I have an idea what you're coming from. If you've never lived in an urban area and are coming from Mountain View, I'm afraid JC might be a bit of a shock to you in many ways. I'd suggest initially renting someplace like Montclair (NYC is pretty accessible by public transportation from there), and as you grow more comfortable with your surroundings, you might want to explore moving closer in to somplace like JC. You also mention wanting good schools nearby. Do you have kids? If so, a place like Montclair might be preferable. Again this is only a suggestion.

+1. Mountain View is a lot different than JC. Montclair, Glen Ridge, Maplewood -- any of those might be worth looking into.

If you do choose JC, you can get to downtown Manhattan in under 30 minutes from just about anywhere on the PATH. And 8pm is usually fine safety-wise (all things considered) -- i was afraid you were going to say 2 am!

JadedJC wrote:
MasterOfFate: A good friend used to live in Mountain View, and I used to visit her there, so I have an idea what you're coming from. If you've never lived in an urban area and are coming from Mountain View, I'm afraid JC might be a bit of a shock to you in many ways. I'd suggest initially renting someplace like Montclair (NYC is pretty accessible by public transportation from there), and as you grow more comfortable with your surroundings, you might want to explore moving closer in to somplace like JC. You also mention wanting good schools nearby. Do you have kids? If so, a place like Montclair might be preferable. Again this is only a suggestion.

BrightMoment wrote:
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MasterOfFate wrote:
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AvantiGroup wrote:
Depending on your requirements, you've certainly got the budget for a 1 bedroom downtown. You'll get more bang for your buck in JSQ, however.

I would imagine the downtown might not be so nice a place to roam around in the night . I am asking this because it might get late for me from work at NYC.

Also - how long would it take from the PATH station to the downtown area (by walk , of course ).

I've lived downtown for over 25 years, and few problems if you use common sense.

BTW, the Grove PATH Station is downtown and only a few minutes walk to most neighborhoods including Harsimus Cove, Hamilton Park, Powerhouse Arts District and Van Vorst Park areas. I live in Harsimus Cove and only 5 minute walk. When I worked in NYC I came home often at 2, 3, 4AM after hanging out at jazz clubs, and never a problem.

Good luck wherever you choose!

jennymayla wrote:
Where are you moving from? That might help people come up with similar suggestions. If you live in an urban area now, JC will feel pretty familiar (kinda, but it's JC, so...). If not, you may want to look further out along the NJT route.

jcwalkingman wrote:
Welcome to the area!

Apartments in Journal Square are generally a lot less expensive than they are Downtown. The streets in the area are relatively safe, and the area is definitely on an upswing. You will probably see a lot more children than you would in downtown, since a lot of families live in the areas north and south of Journal Square. There are a lot of retail outlets and new stores/restaurants (and a new gym too from what I hear!) opening in the area. Best of luck with your search!

AvantiGroup wrote:
Depending on your requirements, you've certainly got the budget for a 1 bedroom downtown. You'll get more bang for your buck in JSQ, however.